Human Diversity in Action: Developing Multicultural Competencies for the Classroom

This research-based, self-exploratory set of hands-on activities can be used in any Diversity or Multicultural Education course, alongside any text. Instead of just telling, this consumable workbook allows students to learn by doing and reflecting on, and writing down his or her own experiences and views. The text addresses a vast range of diversities including race, ethnicity, gender, class, disability, and sexual orientation. Informational readings give students the background to complete the exercises. Part I: Getting to Know the Culture of Self covers the concept of culture and the development of self. Part II: Getting to Know the Culture of Others provides a basic framework to analyze cultural differences and the processes involved in intercultural interaction. Part III: Modifying Curriculum and Instruction to Address the Goals of Diversity contains exercises that demonstrate a culture’s influence on teaching and learning and illustrates strategies that can modify existing curriculum and instruction. The activities are referenced in Cushner/McClelland/Safford, Human Diversity in Education, 4/e (2003), for which this workbook is an ideal companion.

Kenneth Cushner is Associate Dean for Student Life and Intercultural Affairs, and Professor of Education and in the College and Graduate School of Education at Kent State University. He received his doctorate at the University of Hawaii while on scholarship with the Institute of Culture and Communication of the East-West Center. Dr. Cushner is a frequent contributor to the professional development of educators and other professionals through workshops, writing, consulting, and travel programs. Among his publications, he is co-author of Intercultural Interactions: A Practical Guide, 2/e (Sage Publications, 1996); co-editor of Improving Intercultural Interactions, Vol. 2 (Sage Pub, 1997); editor of International Perspectives on Intercultural Education (Lawrence Erlbaum Associates, 1998), and author of Human Diversity in Action (McGraw-Hill, 1999). He has taught in schools or developed educational programs for teachers and youths on all seven continents, and is current Director of COST—The Consortium for Overseas Student Teaching.